Nawras WiMAX Internet

[Assassin]

Wasn't the service supposed to start like last month? Nothing about it on the main website either.

[dintigger]

hahaha the isp is late ? what else is new? i guess need to wait a little longer la

[muscati]

TRA delayed their launch.

[Assassin]

TRA delayed their launch.They have a problem with just about everything

[trippin]

They have a problem with just about everything

I guess in this case it was not TRA having problems but Nawras...They were supposed to launch it on 7 June....Nawras has deployed wimax network and soft launch has also been done...dont know y they are not launching it commercially...

[urao]

They have dug up half the country side using a Pakistani workforce. It is pity to see them sweating it out in the hot humid weather. But now I think they are working in the nights only.

[niceguy]

The laying of fiber optic cables and launch was for business fixed line and internet services.

[aasimanwaar]

Launching on 20th july........

[trippin]

I hope the response is good......it will pave path to more tech being introduced...making data services better and cheaper...

[urao]

I have heard they will be launching VOIP services also at a later date.

[niceguy]

Release on 20th and invited all those that pre-registered to avail the services from tomorrow... wow... a whole freakin day before normal people.

I actually won in their pre-registration and I get a free modem... only if I sign up though... so I'll be checking what the options are and I just might bite the bullet if it's going to be worth it.

I'll post the details in here if I get them. You'll also know a whopping day before normal people :-P

[Pawan]

Got the sms myself ! But where in freakin hell does a pre registered user get to see all this info ?? 24 hours before the normal folk do ? :P

And according to an email.. i won something too... but they never got back in touch with me later.

[Pawan]

Its been launched on their website ! Interesting offers, need to analyse them to understand cost benefits.

http://www.nawras.om/nawras_services_consumer_home_broadband_voice.shtm l (http://www.nawras.om/nawras_services_consumer_home_broadband_voice.shtm l)

[leo]

It seems they are offering Wi-Max. Wonder how reliable the connection will be. Hope the internet speeds will not be fluctuating.

[urao]

I got an SMS from Nawras yesterday on my Oman Mobile connection. But the freaking thing was in Arabic ????

[MNB4800]

Alright, I had a look at the site and packages.

Positives:
- WiMAX upload = download!!!
- WiMAX latency is pretty darn close to ADSL (Tech wise, implementation is a different story, someone has to bite the bullet for us to really know).
- Easy connection.
- Personal: I am in coverage area!!!
- Coverage doesn't seem to get affected by density of users, unlike 3G.
- 5Mbps is cheaper than Omantel's 512kbps when considering the speed for the first 27GB. Details: Omantel 512kbps = 12 Fee + 27 RO for 27GB for total of 39 RO. Nawras 5 Mbps = 35 RO + 14 RO (20GB in package and 7GB extra at 2RO/GB) for total of 49 RO. Now consider that you are getting a WHOPING 5 Mbps Up/Down vs 512 kbps/down and 128 kbps/up. As long as you stay within the 27 GB data usage.

Negatives:
- No cost caps at all!
- 2RO/GB extra usage is outrageous.
- No idea if the Nawras have their own gateway or whether they are just STILL using Omantel's gateway.
- VOIP charging is a rip-off. Charging similar to normal phone calls lol! THE REAL REASON why Skype was blocked. By now everyone knows this.

Just my 2 Cents

[YuriTheDutch]

Thanks for your review MNB.

[niceguy]

+1 ^^

I hate the fact that they are charging so much for a GB!! i was expecting something like 0.500bz to be more competitive but they actually convinced me to stay with Omantel.

If I wanted the speed of the 5mbs package, it would be sane to make a move. But I don't and I suppose anyone that wants the 5mbs package is going to use it a lot more and make the package a bit too expensive.

I thought Nawras were going to change this stupid pricing policy we have in Oman for more products, but they've just followed suite. Quite disappointing.

[MNB4800]

I feel TRA has a big hand in Nawras pricing tbh.

[Pawan]

TRA def has a major hand in the pricing. The role of any TRA is to keep it competitive and not let it go into a mud fest.

MNB - Nawras have their own gateway, its linked i believe to their Parent company Q-Tel.

Its kinda sad they are charging 2 RO / GB. I Guess they should have stuck to the 1 RO / GB.

Now the question here to be asked is - Will the bandwidth be committed or not to the end user. I dont wanna see 5 Mbps downstream speeds once in a blue moon.

[trippin]

prices are regularized by TRA....

In some ways it is good though.....

[MNB4800]

Competitive is one thing, protecting Omantel is an entirely other thing ;)

Yeah it seems Nawras recently managed to get their own gateway running, unlike a couple of years ago.

[Buzz]

I have managed to get their new indoor WiMax modem for free today, got home, unpacked it and got it connected within minutes. I am quite impressed with the simplicity of the setup process and Nawras speed in activating my account. I did not have to type in any settings or configurations, just my user name/password and immediately I was online.

For the sake of experimenting with the new service, I have only signed up for the 15 RO/pm Silver postpaid package, which comes with 1Mbps downstream speed and 6GB bundled download, 12GB for now on promotion until October 2010. I ran some speedtest.net tests and surprisingly I am actually getting the promised 1Mbps download speed and around half of that as upload speed. Latency is almost the same as my current 512Kbps ADSL connection.

The connection is solid stable since 3pm today, no drop outs or fluctuation in signal strength like their 3G service. This WiMax service looks quite promising and I bet that it will be a big hit with people who were unable to get the ADSL service from Omantel due to unavailability of capacity in the exchanges in their areas.

Initially, I was planning to keep the service only for couple of months and until I see how Omantel will react to the new service, hoping that they will cut down their rates, especially the tempting 8Mbps ADSL package. However, I am now actually thinking of going to their showroom tomorrow to upgrade my subscription to the 25 RO/pm package, which will allow me to connect at 3Mbps, and to keep the service for surfing, online gaming and youtube. I am also planning to keep my current 512Kbps ADSL connection for my heavy downloads, and especially that it comes with the price cap on monthly bill.

[Sythe]

Buzz thanks for sharing your experiences - can you tell us which area you are in?

[Pawan]

My friend got the 5MB connection in Ruwi/ Mumtaz Area. He said he's been gettin a stable downstream of about 4.2 - 4.3 Mbps and an upstream of 1.99 Mbps.

He was very impressed with the ease of purchase and setup.

[protozoa]

If only their bandwidth charges were comparable to Omantel, I would have switched over immediately. But at their current prices, I believe I will stick to ADSL for a while and see how it all plays out.

[poxy2325]

also i guess there is a service charge of OMR 29 if there is some technical/other prob

[Buzz]

Buzz thanks for sharing your experiences - can you tell us which area you are in?

I am staying at at Bausher heights, somewhere at the far edge of the Nawras wimax coverage zone. When the customer service guy at Nawras was registering my details in their systems he showed me a map in their system indicating that my house is at the yellow zone, which actually meant that I might have to get an outdoor modem to receive the service at maximum download speed. They are color classifying areas based on distance from their nearest wifi towers. Dark Green is the highest signal strength, then light green, yellow and finally red which indicates that you are out of the coverage zone, but still might be able to receive the service with an outdoor modem.

The coverage map in their system is different than the google map that they have put up in their website. This one is more detailed and automatically calculates the distance between your house and the nearest wimax tower.

[MNB4800]

They are revising their plans.

Check here

http://www.nawras.om/nawras_services_consumer_home_broadband_voice_pric es_packages.php

[niceguy]

They are revising their plans.

Check here

http://www.nawras.om/nawras_services_consumer_home_broadband_voice_pric es_packages.php

Woah!! Really?! That's good new... I hope they are revising it for the better, meaning there's been a lot of feedback. But I wish they'd revide their per/GB fee.

[MNB4800]

http://www.nawras.om/nawras_services_consumer_customer_service_support_ service_request.shtml

Go tell them here! I did!

[Pawan]

Or... TRA has stepped in to ask them to revise their prices upwards :P

[MNB4800]

Or it could be what I fear:

based on the initial pricing, if you calculate the cost of 27GB per month, then each package will cost you as follows:
1Mbps = 57 RO
3Mbps = 55 RO
5Mbps = 49 RO

hence the incoming change ;)

So most likely, it isn't consumer feedback. It is a mistake they made ;)

I can easily be proved wrong since there are people who just like the 1Mbps with 6GB per month at 15 RO. Still, there the possibility they saw what I found out or maybe it is ok.

It can be anything! Time will tell.

[YuriTheDutch]

Hmmm, something fishy going on here...

[niceguy]

Or it could be what I fear:

based on the initial pricing, if you calculate the cost of 27GB per month, then each package will cost you as follows:
1Mbps = 57 RO
3Mbps = 55 RO
5Mbps = 49 RO

hence the incoming change ;)

So most likely, it isn't consumer feedback. It is a mistake they made ;)

I can easily be proved wrong since there are people who just like the 1Mbps with 6GB per month at 15 RO. Still, there the possibility they saw what I found out or maybe it is ok.

It can be anything! Time will tell.


I hope that isn't the reason they are going to change the prices. Their incentive should be to get users using their fastest connections and paying them the higher rental every month. I don't think Nawras woke up one day and just thought of those prices instead would've hopefully done a detailed study. If not... and it does end up changing such that what MNB here has reported is fixed, that would be a sham!

[Assassin]

However, I am now actually thinking of going to their showroom tomorrow to upgrade my subscription to the 25 RO/pm package, which will allow me to connect at 3Mbps, and to keep the service for surfing, online gaming and youtube. I am also planning to keep my current 512Kbps ADSL connection for my heavy downloads, and especially that it comes with the price cap on monthly bill.Sir that is simply ingenious

[danfodio]

I started using Nawras broadband a couple of days ago. Its simply amazing, fast, reliable. After waiting for 3 years for Omantel to install ADSL at my place, I just can't thank Nawras engough

[spinnerette]

We switched from the God awful service @ Omantel and couldn't be happier!
Unfortunately we are on the cusp of being able to get 5mb, but given the promotion with the Gold package we can get up to 40GB DL until Octo 13th :)

Also, having an active phone line immediately beats the hell out of waiting for a technician and having to pay connection fees and make multiple trips to Omantel for follow up.

One thing I will say - Nawras are doing a good job and they are really busy at the moment with the promotion, so their stores would benefit from have more staff serving customers as its a bit of a lengthy process. But kudos to Nawras :)

[Taby]

Ahem guys ! Not much of a computer guy but can understand that what Nawras is offering is superior to what I have (Omantel ADSL basic package + landline) .
However I run multiple devices using the WIFI , will the same be possible with Nawras (OMR 15) also ? How does the speed etc compare?
Is cancellation of the current Omantel connection a issue?
Thanks!

[YuriTheDutch]

Is this Wi-Max security wise similar to WiFi?
Do you need to fill in a MAC-address and the WEP-key to be able to connect, or can anyone who's got a wireless receiver make use of my connection?

[niceguy]

Ahem guys ! Not much of a computer guy but can understand that what Nawras is offering is superior to what I have (Omantel ADSL basic package + landline) .
However I run multiple devices using the WIFI , will the same be possible with Nawras (OMR 15) also ? How does the speed etc compare?
Is cancellation of the current Omantel connection a issue?
Thanks!

With the Nawras package, you need to get a seperate WiFi access point, that will make your wired network wireless.

Honestly, if you are on Omantel's ADSL, I don't really see the point of moving to this connection. It suits those that aren't able to get the ADSL connection or those that don't have one yet.

[Assassin]

Is this Wi-Max security wise similar to WiFi?
Do you need to fill in a MAC-address and the WEP-key to be able to connect, or can anyone who's got a wireless receiver make use of my connection?WEP is not security, any retard can hack it. WPA-2 is the only way to go to secure your wireless. But to answer your question WiMAX is the protocol for internet access from Nawras, im sure ull have your unique ID and pass. Its upto you to create a wireless home network (using a router - external or inbuilt) and secure it using WPA-2.

[Assassin]

Honestly, if you are on Omantel's ADSL, I don't really see the point of moving to this connection. It suits those that aren't able to get the ADSL connection or those that don't have one yet.The only advantage I see is online gaming and video conferencing as both are horrendous on ADSL, and Nawras seems to have much higher upload speeds.
But I may be wrong as I have yet to see a latency test to servers in Europe/US from muscat on 3 or 5 Mbps connections.

[niceguy]

Well, so far what's been coming out is that latency hasn't changed much, which sux big time! If it does, I will switch very soon but I doubt there'll be any improvement, we're in the wrong part of the world to get better latencies.

[poxy2325]

i am planning to take nawras wimax , can anybody guide me on their service charge of OMR 29 ??

[niceguy]

That is the cost of the modem. But now it's half the price.

[Taby]

With the Nawras package, you need to get a seperate WiFi access point, that will make your wired network wireless.

Honestly, if you are on Omantel's ADSL, I don't really see the point of moving to this connection. It suits those that aren't able to get the ADSL connection or those that don't have one yet.

Apple to apple , I pay OMR 16 for 512KBps/0 download/ADSL/Telephone.With Nawras 15 OMR I get a 1Mbps/6GB download/ADSL/Telephone.
Am I missing or overlooking something?

[niceguy]

Well, depends entirely on your usage Taby. Lets take a simple example... if your usage is 18 GB's per month.

Btw... Omantel ADSL rental is actually 12, but yes, you need the phone line for +4 so lets keep it at 16.

Omantel ADSL (512kbps): 16 (Rental) + 15GB @ OMR 1/GB (Usage) = OMR 31
Nawras WiMax (1mbps): 15 (Rental) + 15GB @ OMR 2/GB (Usage) = OMR 32

And as your isage gets higher, the price of the Nawras connection will soar exponentially. So hence I say if you have an ADSL connection @ 512, there is no real need to go for Nawras WiMax. At least not yet.

Saying Nawras' 1mbps is better because for the same amount you get a faster connection is just walking backwards on what you're trying to achieve. Coz the faster connection will only tempt you to download more and as the above example shows, the more you download the far more expensive the Nawras connection will get.

That's why I am thoroughly annoyed with the OMR 2/GB charge. Changing their base prices as they seem to be doing is not going to convince me to switch just yet.

[Taby]

Well, depends entirely on your usage Taby. Lets take a simple example... if your usage is 18 GB's per month.

Btw... Omantel ADSL rental is actually 12, but yes, you need the phone line for +4 so lets keep it at 16.

Omantel ADSL (512kbps): 16 (Rental) + 15GB @ OMR 1/GB (Usage) = OMR 31
Nawras WiMax (1mbps): 15 (Rental) + 15GB @ OMR 2/GB (Usage) = OMR 32

And as your isage gets higher, the price of the Nawras connection will soar exponentially. So hence I say if you have an ADSL connection @ 512, there is no real need to go for Nawras WiMax. At least not yet.

Saying Nawras' 1mbps is better because for the same amount you get a faster connection is just walking backwards on what you're trying to achieve. Coz the faster connection will only tempt you to download more and as the above example shows, the more you download the far more expensive the Nawras connection will get.

That's why I am thoroughly annoyed with the OMR 2/GB charge. Changing their base prices as they seem to be doing is not going to convince me to switch just yet.

Awesome comparison :-)

[san_indigo]

Well, depends entirely on your usage Taby. Lets take a simple example... if your usage is 18 GB's per month.

Btw... Omantel ADSL rental is actually 12, but yes, you need the phone line for +4 so lets keep it at 16.

Omantel ADSL (512kbps): 16 (Rental) + 15GB @ OMR 1/GB (Usage) = OMR 31
Nawras WiMax (1mbps): 15 (Rental) + 15GB @ OMR 2/GB (Usage) = OMR 32

NG a slight error;Nawras package works out to be 45 OMR (15 rental + 30 data). Also, isn't 6GB included within 15 OMR for the promotional period. Then, Nawras WiMax (1mbps): 15 (Rental) + 9GB (15-6GB)@ OMR 2/GB (Usage) = OMR 33

[niceguy]

Oops... really sorry about that... next time I'll make the calculation while writing the post not before and eventually write rubbish :-P Thanks for spotting that. Here it is... amended:

Omantel ADSL (512kbps): 16 (Rental) + 15GB @ OMR 1/GB (Usage) = OMR 31
Nawras WiMax (1mbps): 15 (Rental) + 15GB - 6GB @ OMR 2/GB (Usage) = OMR 33

And as your isage gets higher, the price of the Nawras connection will soar exponentially. So hence I say if you have an ADSL connection @ 512, there is no real need to go for Nawras WiMax. At least not yet.

[Laura_Jayne]

Gosh, it's like another language in here :cool3:

[niceguy]

Gosh, it's like another language in here :cool3:

LOL!! No it isn't. You just have to read between the... umm... words...

[doctor]

Nope cannot go Nawras way. Need a cap, always.

DAMN! my usage goes around 60+GB/Month on regular basis. (o u dirty minds there is no Pron :D)

I think anyone who is big on the usage should stay with the ADSL, untill there is a better option.

Hmm just back from Pak, DANG DANG 1Mbps connection @ 5RO GRRRR!!!!! 4Mbps@90RO!!!! and and 8Mbps@34RO :bowrofl: and UNLIMITED all packages....... me want this kind of speed @ Price

(Closes his eyes and wishes really really really.... hard)

[Sythe]

Nope cannot go Nawras way. Need a cap, always.

DAMN! my usage goes around 60+GB/Month on regular basis. (o u dirty minds there is no Pron :D)

I think anyone who is big on the usage should stay with the ADSL, untill there is a better option.

Hmm just back from Pak, DANG DANG 1Mbps connection @ 5RO GRRRR!!!!! 4Mbps@90RO!!!! and and 8Mbps@34RO :bowrofl: and UNLIMITED all packages....... me want this kind of speed @ Price

(Closes his eyes and wishes really really really.... hard)

And that is why I chose to get 8mb unlimited usage for RO 99.

[doctor]

And that is why I chose to get 8mb unlimited usage for RO 99.

HOLY SMOKES!!!!!!

ME want to tap into your connection :wiggle:

[leo]

I am told even the UAE Etisalat 512Kbps basic ADSL package is unlimited @ AED 120.

[Assassin]

I am told even the UAE Etisalat 512Kbps basic ADSL package is unlimited @ AED 120.
All uae ADSL packages from 512 to 8mb r unlimited and cheap. But that's UAE, and this is Oman. Where internet is a privilege for the rich only.

[YuriTheDutch]

Wow, I'm rich!! :P

[doctor]

ME TOO WOW!!! (really ?)

[Assassin]

Wow, I'm rich!! :Plol. What I meant was if you have a personal 8Mbps connection or a 4Mbps line and dont care about paying 100 rials per month for not-so-awesome speed, then you're rich.

Plus compare urself to people on like 500-1000 per month salary or less (most people in oman). They're well off (probably), but I doubt they would cross a 512 connection and even restrict downloads. Making real internet usage a priveledge.

[doctor]

@ Assassin
I agree with you bro, was just kidding.
Paying 45 Rials per month for internet alone is not an option for 90% of the population. Let alone 99Rials ( I Cannot afford that)
Its seriously expensive.....
Lets hope we see the day when we get cheap net here in Oman. And also FREEDOM from stupid VOIP block.

[BartechCo]

Got the nawras modem and they said it will work in the location given -- did not work - customer service told to move around with - even after several gymnastic postures with the modem it did not give the desired signal .... early stages- should have waited.

[niceguy]

LOL!!! It's true though, don't expect the Nawras WiMax modem to work where you like it. If you're in a low coverage area, you are going to have to explore every nook and cranny in your house to place the modem, even if it is going to be under the kitchen sink or on the commode.

[leo]

Got the nawras modem and they said it will work in the location given -- did not work - customer service told to move around with - even after several gymnastic postures with the modem it did not give the desired signal .... early stages- should have waited.

Where is this location (area)?

[Cooky]

I joined omantel taking advantage of the promotion, ie 8mbs, unlimited downloads free for first 2 months. the plan then was to drop down to a cheaper plan for a small fee.

It was a horrible experience. Took over 2 weeks to connect phone line and get modem with many phone calls and trips to sales office...

Got activated last night but to my dismay, the 8 mbts is only .5 down and less than .1 up

I hope I can cancel without any penalities...

[san_indigo]

Got the nawras modem and they said it will work in the location given -- did not work - customer service told to move around with - even after several gymnastic postures with the modem it did not give the desired signal .... early stages- should have waited.

I got the Nawras modem yesterday, when I tried to get it work - the best I could get in my house is 2 bars instead of 3 bars which is rated excellent as per the manual. Nevertheless, I have got it connected it last night....will post what is the avg.speed I am getting with 2 bars.
I opted for Nawras bcoz I had a horrible time with Omantel when I had the ADSL from them. I disconnected the ADSL line becoz of Omantel's pathetic attitude and hopeless service. Given a chance, I told one of their managers, I would not take the line if it was provided free of cost to me - such was my desperation. I would have had a consumer complaint lodged against them if it were anywhere else but here in Muscat, I doubt.

[san_indigo]

Where is this location (area)?

Neo, location is not the only criteria. THe nawras modem works best if you are having an open/un-interrupted frontage to your house/windows. The way most of the buildings constructed here with the adjoining buildings 1.5 m away, it is certain to reduce the signal. I have a building each on both the sides and the mountain behind which leaves no room for the signal to be optimum. But I prefer Nawras anyday to Omantel.....better of the two devils.

[niceguy]

I joined omantel taking advantage of the promotion, ie 8mbs, unlimited downloads free for first 2 months. the plan then was to drop down to a cheaper plan for a small fee.

It was a horrible experience. Took over 2 weeks to connect phone line and get modem with many phone calls and trips to sales office...

Got activated last night but to my dismay, the 8 mbts is only .5 down and less than .1 up

I hope I can cancel without any penalities...

This is probably the worst decision you have ever made or will ever make in your entire life.

I had and continue to have the worst billing issue and it is with none other than... Omantel.

The morons have opened up so many ways to pay bills... but none of them work!!! I tried paying by OIFC's fancy new machines... don;t work... Omantel's fancy new website... don't work... people at Omantel say... don't ever do that again... come here to the office and pay your bills... (He stopped slightly short of saying... OMANTEL SUX!)

[leo]

I got the Nawras modem yesterday, when I tried to get it work - the best I could get in my house is 2 bars instead of 3 bars which is rated excellent as per the manual. Nevertheless, I have got it connected it last night....will post what is the avg.speed I am getting with 2 bars.
I opted for Nawras bcoz I had a horrible time with Omantel when I had the ADSL from them. I disconnected the ADSL line becoz of Omantel's pathetic attitude and hopeless service. Given a chance, I told one of their managers, I would not take the line if it was provided free of cost to me - such was my desperation. I would have had a consumer complaint lodged against them if it were anywhere else but here in Muscat, I doubt.

We shall await your feedback on the speed you are getting on wi-max. Have you subscribed to the 1 MB package?

[MNB4800]

This is probably the worst decision you have ever made or will ever make in your entire life.

I had and continue to have the worst billing issue and it is with none other than... Omantel.

The morons have opened up so many ways to pay bills... but none of them work!!! I tried paying by OIFC's fancy new machines... don;t work... Omantel's fancy new website... don't work... people at Omantel say... don't ever do that again... come here to the office and pay your bills... (He stopped slightly short of saying... OMANTEL SUX!)

Actually, I pay all my bills via Bank Muscat online website. Works like a charm, be it Nawras, Omantel, Electricity, Water...etc. All work fine. I never went out to pay my bills :P

Oh and I am against the barbaric blocking of VOIP just because someone ELSE will not make money from international calls. How pathetic some people can be.

[niceguy]

I have never had a problem with Nawras to pay my bills. I will try Bank Muscat's online banking, but the lack of clear details as to what is the exact Utility Account Number to be entered is a bit worrying, you could end up paying someone elses bills.

I will give it a try though.

I've already emailed Nawras about their OMR 2/GB charge, I hope more people have voiced their opinion, but I fear most will just keep their mouth shut and use something else, and will only complain but not do anything about it.

[san_indigo]

I've already emailed Nawras about their OMR 2/GB charge, I hope more people have voiced their opinion, but I fear most will just keep their mouth shut and use something else, and will only complain but not do anything about it.

NG, I did the same. I have written to Nawras regarding their charge for additional usage which is OMR 2/GB presently. I have suggested them to fix data charge based on usage by consumers similar to model adopted for electricity/water usage.
0-6GB : No charge
6-10GB: OMR 1.0/GB
10-15GB: OMR 1.5/GB
Above 15GB : OMR 2.0/GB

Though it is unfair to the users who consume more, it will encourage more usage from people who are prudent with their usage due to the costs associated.
I welcome other members feedback to my suggestion.

[Supermacs]

NG- I have paid all my Nawras bills on-line with BankMuscat for about two years now. No problems. But as you say, I am very careful with account numbers- and bill numbers.

[niceguy]

NG- I have paid all my Nawras bills on-line with BankMuscat for about two years now. No problems. But as you say, I am very careful with account numbers- and bill numbers.

Have never had a problem with Nawras... what ever mode I've used, Bank Muscat, online or their machines, it's been absolutely fine. And the latter even being instant!

That's what I thought when I paid my Omantel bills in the new OIFC machines and Omantel's website! The crap part is, both these systems failed to register any payment!!! Let alone anything being instant, there is no record other than the receipts I have that say I have made a payment.

Went to Omantel and they told me you haven't paid for months. I showed them my instant online payment email and they actually told me never to use their own website!! How cool is that? They even said don't use the machines, "OIFC is a problem" and advised me only to pay physically at their offices.

So Omantel have actually admitted their billing service is crap!

[san_indigo]

We shall await your feedback on the speed you are getting on wi-max. Have you subscribed to the 1 MB package?

Leo, I have subscribed to the 1 MB package and am attaching the speed results.
Download speed: 1128 kbps
Upload speed : 210 kbps

[Assassin]

Leo, I have subscribed to the 1 MB package and am attaching the speed results.
Download speed: 1128 kbps
Upload speed : 210 kbps
Could you do a test on http://www.pingtest.net/ (http://www.speedtest.net) to an European and/or a US server, and post your results. More interested in latency than upload/download speeds. Thanks.

[san_indigo]

Could you do a test on http://www.pingtest.net/ (http://www.speedtest.net) to an European and/or a US server, and post your results. More interested in latency than upload/download speeds. Thanks.

Assasin, here goes the test you requested. My connection is 1 MB/sec; results attached.

[shimmertje]

I am against the barbaric blocking of VOIP just because someone ELSE will not make money from international calls. How pathetic some people can be.

I believe companies which allow VOIP all find that they can make money in other ways, and in fact more money than if they blocked VOIP. But I don't actually have any figures to prove it.

[MNB4800]

I believe companies which allow VOIP all find that they can make money in other ways, and in fact more money than if they blocked VOIP. But I don't actually have any figures to prove it.

You do not need figures to prove it. As the internet penetrates more and more throughout the world with technologies like VOIP, the use of traditional communication methods will shrink considerably. Not only has the internet penetrated traditional mail systems, it has gone and introduced superior voice communication and exceeded that via voice and video. On a similar note, the internet is now being used as a medium for radio channels, tv channels with exceptional benefits.

It is only a matter of how countries and continents react to such progression. Which we can see, that locally and generally the Arab community, rejects it fiercely due to personal or short term gains. It all adds up to making it even much more harder to adopt upcoming technology that would have sped up growth and progression for the Arab civilization.

On a related note, I found out that Nawras WiMax voice actually uses the local telephone lines to connect to the internet hence they are charging for it. To put it more clearly:

Skype: Call => Internet => PSTN => Receive
Nawras Wi-Max: Call => Local PSTN => Internet => VOIP => PSTN => Receive

It might look longer than a regular international phone call which goes like:
Call => Local PSTN => PSTN => Receive

But in reality, your are not going through the whole expensive PSTN channels to make the call since a great chunk of it made redundant via the internet (VOIP).

Hope this makes sense. Feel free to correct me.

[Buzz]

For people who are facing diffculties on locking into the WiMax signal at low coverage areas, Nawras is offering an outdoor modem that could be mounted outside your house. It costs the same as the indoor modem, however you might want to go for an installation service that can be arranged by Nawras at an additional cost.

[Assassin]

Assasin, here goes the test you requested. My connection is 1 MB/sec; results attached.Thanks. The ping test is to Doha which is just next door. It'll be much worse to UK, Russia and US, where most online gamers are.

Anyway 501ms is BAD (basically even if you're the worlds best gamer ull play like a noob/rookie at FPS games). Hopefully a new company will open up a better internet line in the next century or so.

[niceguy]

Won't happen anytime soon, our location doesn't help.

[desertlife]

It seems like everyone else is getting good service from the Nawras WiMAX connection.

I got a 1mb connection on the very first day. Could not get it connected using the Wifi Router till the 4th day. Had to remain connected through the network point

I have had the following problems:

Mostly 3 bars, but sometimes switches to 2
Local phone calls work but suddenly blank out. Both parties cannot hear anything. Tried a line phone as well as a wireless phone to no effect. Have not made a single phone call without being disconnected
VoIP calls never worked for me. The other party cannot hear me at all.
Had a huge problem (and still have) getting the Wifi Router connected and remain connected. There is an undocumented way of doing this which is what I figured after multiple attempts. And don't even think it's as easy as following the booklet.
Speed dropped in the past few days. Requires a reboot of the CPE

So for now I'm still on the fence about WiMAX. There's no guarantee that it works properly. Will still have to maintain my 3G connection.

Tell me guys, is it just me?

[boules]

As I am waiting for the landlords phone line connection, and then my company's Omantel ADSL line, I got a Nawras B260 3G wifi router.

It is working surprisingly well. Without the external antenna (wasn't in the package even it is stated on Nawras website). On speedtest net to Doha, I had a little more than 2 mbps download, which is better than the Omantel line at work. Upload speed is poor though - only 0,15 mbps, and latency is really bad, around 800 ms.

I use the prepaid service, 2 OR for 48 hours, so it comes to 30 OR per month, including 30 GB download. I think it is a good alternative to Wimax.

[BartechCo]

Unfortunately for me it did not work - complaints to Nawras did not give any result - they alsways emailed back problem solved - case closed-after 15 days when i went to get it cancelled - had to pay for the full month plus four and a half rial extra - not sure why -- have been asking them . Ended up paying for a service and equipment of 40 rials not used.

[niceguy]

So... you made complaints etc. by "e-mail"? Seriously?

[BartechCo]

The phone complaints made after lot of difficulty as they keep you on hold ala omantel -did not yield any results - then email complaints - still nothing - even i asked them to check the modem but they told me modem is fine and they are making adjustments and should work -which it did not not. Again while disconnecting they made me write a complaint where in I was asked to put down everything - and then charged me additional money - the system said so it seems and i had to pay that if i had to get disconnected. Even Omantel charges prorata if it is disconnected and here they made me pay not only for the month but additionally for service that has not been usedI have been with nawras since the first month of their inception of gsm and was really looking forward to this but what i figure is they have launched in a hurry and it may not be suitable for certain places even if coverage shows --- now i have the modem if anyone wants --- and guys suggest stick to omantel unless you are not getting a connection

[niceguy]

I'm sorry, but I've used multiple Nawras services and there have indeed been issues here and there, but except for once, I have never been left displeased by Nawras. Each time my problems have been resolved properly.

You cannot get good customer service in this country at a desk with a human being standing right there in front of you, so if you think you're going to get ANY support through e-mail, you're in for a ride.

[Englishguy]

I thought I would give my feedback.

Had Wimax a month and used it in Gubrah and at the Wave where I just moved.

Ghubrah was a nightmare with the internet dropping out all the time.

The Wave is not much better. I currently have 10-20 down time where I cannot get a connection.

I always appear to have good signal and sometimes I do get serious bursts of speed but right now the whole thing is flakey. I tried Nawras support but the call center guys are clueless.

A bit of reseach on the web suggest that Wimax is not the most robust setup and perhaps this early Nawras set up will get better as they iron out the bugs but I cannot help thinking that Nawras launched before they were ready.

Anyway I have a choice, wait and see if it gets better or pay the extra and go for ADSL. At least it works.

Englishguy added 0 Minutes and 50 Seconds later...

Thats 10-20% downtime

[watto]

I've been using the WiMax service for the 4 or so weeks. I'm in Azaiba on the cusp of the 1 and 3Mb areas. I would also like to mention I live on the top floor of my complex as I don't know if I would get the same signal being on the bottom floor. I managed to convince one of the Nawras employees to move me to the 5Mbps package from the 1Mbps mainly for the data, but also because I was convinced that I would get faster speeds as I was always topping the 1Mbps downloads. Sometimes now I can get close to 4Mbps, but usually its around the 2.5-3.

My ping time is always around the 500ms but it has not affected me in games at all and most of the time I can get them before they get me :) . But I do get kicked off some game servers because of the long ping time, and will never be able to host my own games.

Up until the other day I was working fine and in the last few days it has seemed to be up and down and for at least 4 hours when I was home it wasn't working. But that all seemed to fix itself last night, especially after finding a new spot in my house for the modem.

Overall, I am quite content with this connection. I use to use a 3G modem and that dropped out alot more, and couldn't really be left on overnight without it dropping out and stopping the download. Also the hassles I have experienced at work on the occassions that our DSL connection goes out isn't worth it. The Omantel guys on the phone always seem to sit at their computer and say... oh no, its working, the computer tells me... I don't know if they just mean, "yes you are paying we haven't disconnected you" or "I can see the connection to your PABX box and ping it and it is still live". It would be nice to have a number to ring, say the address and find out if there is any construction works in the area affecting all types of utilities.

Sorry I got slightly sidetracked at the end there. :whistle:

[Englishguy]

I think that may be a problem with the Nawras Wimax coverage maps. They are of course 2D and Ghubra and the Wave is increasinly 3D with lots of new 4and 5 story blocks appearing. In both locations I am towards the bottom of the block. In some where like Ghubra where new buildings appear daily, the coverage map could change daily.

I also agree with Watta. I claim drop outs but unlike 3G my applestore downloads keep going just incredibly slowly.

I hope they can sort these things out with more base stations and more investment.

[boules]

I think the coverage map on the webpage should not be taken too seriously. If you go to a Nawras store to order Wimax they will look up your house on a satelite map. I saw lots of black areas in Azaiba, while most of Azaiba is green on the internet map.
I got the modem yesterday but did not bother to install it last night. I connected the modem though and it shows maximum reception (3 blue lamps) - hope it also will on the computer :smile2:

[leo]

I think someone from NAWRAS should be invited to comment on this thread. That way things will be more meaningful and their customers would be a happier lot :)

[Flame Thrower]

I think someone from NAWRAS should be invited to comment on this thread. That way things will be more meaningful and their customers would be a happier lot :)


I do not agree with your proposition one little bit.
A Service Provider should never claim to provide a service they cannot provide. Simple.
If you were to sign up with Nawras or Omantel on a OR 35 per month plan, wouldn't you expect the advertised locations to be able to accommodate the product?

If anyone from any service provider were to respond, all they would say is the company "is working on it." There will never be a deadline or any kind of guarantee. What they wouldn't say is they will keep bleeding your wallet dry regardless of the quality of the service actually provided.

Don't forget, every single time you connect to the internet, the authorities are logging it all. Add that on top of the pathetic infrastructure, and you have a system that behaves like a cranky old grandmother.

Put it this way:
How many people have had a message from Blackberry in the last couple of weeks claiming there was an issue with the 'push' server, and it is probably caused by your ISP?
Almost everyone I bet.
Do you really think subscription interruption was caused by your company not paying the bills?
Rubbish. It was because RIM and the Sultanate's authorities are checking the ability to intercept ALL telecommunications from and to Blackberrys.

My two cents ladies and gents.





There is no freedom.

[niceguy]

I think that's a bit harsh FT, I'm sure leo was just trying to say that if a Nawras rep read this and saw the issues, it would be better explained by them than us speculating as to what the issue is.

No one is perfect and while there may be many issues in this country with service, the issues with service are world wide and everyone is going to complain about something or the other no matter the quality of service.

[boules]

I had my internet running. It is stable, but not very fast, 1 mbps down and 0,18 mbps up with a ping time to Doha of 650 ms.
At the Nawras desk I was in a green area that should give up to 3 mbps.
The basic package gives 1 mbps, but I upgraded to the Platinum package yesterday to get faster net and more GB included.
Hope it is just Nawras forgetting to upgrade me.

[TahaK]

I got my Wimax couple of days back and even though i made sure i am in the coverage area. I still do not have stable signal. I called the customer service and they have been calling back and following up but no use. They keep saying we just changed something ...switch off your modem and turn it on again...wait 5 minutes, we will call you back and check if you have stable signal....NO USE! I have tried every corner/window of my house....even the ROOF! but still i can't get any signal on this damn thing! I wonder if i made a mistake...i should have gone for ADSL!.....

question to those who have stable signal...how long did it take for you to find the right hot spot...did you like had to carry it around (Turned ON) till your signal become stable? or do you just randomly pick a spot and tried your luck and it worked?

Also what is the radius of the signal coverage for my modem...?

[Englishguy]

tahak,

My experience is the modem is incredibly sensitive to position. It had to move it to every window until I got 3 stable bars and decent internet. With 3 stable bars the drop outs become unbearable.

Last week I think they switched me onto a new transmitter and I had terrible internet. Once 90 Deg rotation and it was perfect again.

I wish I had installed the outdoor aerial and save myself lots of messing around but it works great right now.

ADSL was an option but The Omantel download limits are just stupidly low. A couple of HD movies a month on Apple TV and the bill is going to be big.

Englishguy added 0 Minutes and 56 Seconds later...

i meant to say without 3 stable bars. Even 2 is not really usable

[TahaK]

i'm still on hold with NAWRAS Customer Service....i think if they don't fix it by tomorrow...i am going to cancel the subscription and go for ADSL. just that with ADSL i have to get a telephone line! :( but i think it'll be alot easier than WIMAX.

Englishguy - I am not even getting one stable signal in my entire house. I think i'll probably need the outside Aerial. and a wireless router..wow this is getting expensive now!

ADSL it is!


I had high hopes for WIMAX.

[niceguy]

You can't really have hopes for something that's new in this country. You really have to wait for it to mature. I really hope you don't get an Omantel bollocking when you go to subscribe. (you'd have to be lucky)

[TahaK]

i think i was perfectly right to have hopes for WiMax. It has been around for sometime now. Also it all depends on today apparently they are going to send over the technical staff to come and have a look, and what i really hope is that i don't get the "bollocking" from them!

[TahaK]

As expected! no one showed up!

[tanvirfaruk87]

nawras wimax is bull****..i just installed it ystdy and the signals are full in ruwi but the speed is pathetic ..even worse than omantel's 512kbps..

[TahaK]

i got my WiMax fixed...after Nawras realized that they had given me the wrong modem! its much better than ADSL 512K....

[mim]

May be I am bit late to respond in this topic.I am using wimax about one year. earlier the speed was acceptable. but nowadays from last month the speed is pathetic. I changed my plan from postpaid to prepaid (in view of discontinue the service but keep the modem connection live). All of my signals are stable but speed is a great issue.

[MNB4800]

I second that, it has a lot of problems:
- The mandatory modem/router has no uPNP setting so you have to port forward manually and it is hard to port forward a range of ports since it connects to single internal port only.
- pingtest.net always fails, tried every setting on the modem to no avail.
- Speedtest has a very high ping to frankfurt at 500ms, when compared to Omantel ADSL which stands at around 200ms. Note that I am comparing both 5mb packages. Added, the upload speed is very very horrible at 512kbps, most of the time below that. Note that Nawras advertises 2 Mbps upload (i know I know, they said upto. They ofcourse admit to not giving you reliable internet yet they get our money VERY reliably).
- The router it seems heats up very fast, if I download continuously for a day, the signal drops from 100% to 2-5% and I have to reboot it to get the signal back up. Very cheap and unreliable modem.
- Modem doesn't come with antenna. I mean come on, every commercial modem comes with a small antenna. Is Nawras trying to cut corners to increase its profit margin?
- Finally, the connection is never stable. It goes up and down very frequently.

I can't wait for Omantel, the lesser of both evils, to be available in the region so I can switch in a flash of light.

[kzshantonu]

Can anyone please let me know about the initial cost for getting a postpaid and prepaid WiMAX subscription? And also let me know about the pros and cons of both postpaid and prepaid. Thank you.